Career Changers
Changing careers doesn’t have to be a daunting proposition. With the support of a quality organization, it can be an easy transition.
Many attorneys, bankers, accountants, educators, and military personnel have two things in common … they enjoy helping people and have transitioned into successful careers as Financial Representatives with the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.
A career as a Financial Representative can give you the independence you are looking for, while having the extensive resources of Northwestern Mutual available to you.
Please take a moment to read Career Changers, the real-life stories of people just like you who made this exciting and rewarding change in their careers and lives here.
A Day In The Life
The Waltos Group is currently looking for self-motivated, hard-working and coachable individuals to join our Newport Beach, Orange, and Inland Empire teams as Financial Representatives and Financial Advisors.
Curious about what it's like to make the transition into a career with the Waltos Group? Watch our YouTube video and see a "Day in the Life" of a Financial Representative Career Changer, please click here.
Meet a Few of Our Career Changers
John Vande Bossche
Wealth Management Advisor
John Vande Bossche began his career in the paper industry with Scott Paper, where he rose through management and was recruited away to lead another company for 7 years. At a time when the industry was downsizing John was introduced to the investment advisory business at a small firm in Carlsbad and quickly realized that this business was a great fit for him. John and his business partner, Craig Lindholm, were introduced to The Waltos Group by another Northwestern Mutual representative and were very impressed with the quality of the Financial Representatives in the office. A short time later, John and Craig decided to join the Waltos Group as Wealth Management specialists.
Immediately following his entry into the business, John felt a level of comfort with the role and direct impact that he could have on people’s lives. John says that you need to be prepared to work harder than you ever have, don’t take “no’s ” personally, and believe at all times you are doing the right thing for the client. If you choose Northwestern Mutual, you are backed by strength and values that you never have to be ashamed of - they are the best in this industry.
Brandon Burton
Financial Representative
Prior to Brandon’s career with Northwestern Mutual, he was in the Marine Corps. During his four years as a Marine, Brandon learned how to be more disciplined, developed relationships, honed his communication skills, and developed a stronger work ethic. It was there that he was ingrained with the mentality that failure is not an option.
After his time as a marine, Brandon wanted to find a career that allowed him more control of his future; a career where he could have the ability to pick and choose what it would look like in order to live out his true desires. Brandon had an idea that he wanted to get into financial services, so he did an extensive search on financial services firms in Orange County and surrounding areas. After narrowing down statistics, company culture, and the history of success between different firms, Brandon was set on joining the Waltos Group of Northwestern Mutual.
The biggest challenge Brandon faces today is being able to get in front of people that want his help. Brandon believes you have to be compelling enough to warrant their time, this is also why you need to believe in what you do for your clients to have the conviction to follow through.
For anyone that is looking into a career with Northwestern Mutual, Brandon sends the message to be prepared to sacrifice more than you think you will have to in the short run, in order to build a foundation for long-term success.
Scott Poulalion
Financial Representative
Scott began his professional career as a registered dietician for nine years. After that journey, Scott worked in the mortgage banking industry until he began his career at Northwestern Mutual.
Scott enjoyed mortgage banking and thought that he was going to stay in that industry until he was approached by one of Northwestern Mutual’s top wealth management advisors. This advisor believed that Scott’s personality and charm made him a perfect fit for Northwestern Mutual and the financial representative career opportunity.
Scott knew very early on that being a financial representative was the right career path for him. He realized that he was truly able to help his clients, even if the client didn’t see that right away. The biggest challenge that Scott has faced in this industry is being able to consistently build his clientele while selling an intangible product.
A piece of advice that Scott would like to give to someone looking into a career with Northwestern Mutual is that it is not only important to have a winning personality, but you also need to take the time to really learn and understand the benefits of what each of these products can do for individuals, families, and business owners.
Please contact Janice Brodin, Director of Recruitment and Selection to learn more about a career opportunity as a Financial Representative with The Waltos Group.
Vivian Huang
Recruitment and Selection Coordinator
vivian.huang@nmfn.com
951-826-3040
Vivian is the Campus Recruiter for the Inland Empire office. Nearby campuses include UC Riverside and the University of Redlands.
Madeline Marenholz
Recruitment and Selection Coordinator
maddie.marenholz@nmfn.com
714-560-8000
Maddie is the Campus Recruiter for the Orange office. Nearby campuses include Chapman University, Cal State Fullerton, and Long Beach State.
Whitney Whitehouse
Recruiting Assistant
whitney.whitehouse@nmfn.com
949-863-5800
Whitney is the Associate Recruiter to the Director of Selection, Janice Brodin
